SCOTTISH rock band Garbage have joined a growing coalition of artists standing against what they describe as organised intimidation by pro-Israel groups within the music industry.
The group, known as Ethical Syndicate Palestine, was launched by the band Massive Attack in response to what they claim is a coordinated campaign to silence artists speaking out against the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Alongside Garbage, other acts signed up to the initiative include Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap, Brian Eno and a number of other musicians and producers who have voiced solidarity with Palestine.
The announcement comes in the wake of a new documentary released by campaigning group Led By Donkeys, which exposes the activities of UK Lawyers for Israel Ltd (UKLFI).
According to the film, the group has used legal and institutional pressure to silence pro-Palestine activism, particularly in the arts and cultural sectors.
Led By Donkeys stated: “UK Lawyers for Israel Ltd has tried to silence various voices supporting Palestine. Their charitable wing has made public statements rejecting international law.”
In a statement shared on Instagram, Massive Attack wrote: “Because of our expressions of conscience, we’ve been subject to various intimidations from within our industry ... and legally via organised bodies such as UKLFI.”
They described the situation in Gaza as having “moved beyond description,” and called on the wider music community to support younger, more vulnerable artists who may feel unable to speak out.
The group urged those impacted to contact the Ethical Syndicate Palestine directly.
Led By Donkeys added: “The weaponisation of antisemitism ... not only hurts civil liberties and human rights, it also damages the real fight against antisemitism.”
The crackdown on pro-Palestinian voices in UK music has escalated in recent months.
Bob Vylan were dropped by their agents and investigated by police after chanting “death to the IDF” at Glastonbury.
Meanwhile, Kneecap member Liam Ó hAnnaidh, AKA Mo Chara, is facing prosecution under the Terrorism Act after allegedly holding a Hezbollah flag on stage.
Despite mounting pressures, more musicians – many previously seen as apolitical – are breaking their silence.
In May, Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds raised a Palestinian flag during a concert in Milan, joining a chorus of international dissent.
